Nonverbal Communication Analysis 2759: Vladimir Putin, Annexation of Crimea and Mouth Asymmetry - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Yesterday Vladimir Putin signed the documents formalizing Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. A video of the speech he gave is included above. Mr. Putin's mouth adopted an asymmetric configuration numerous times throughout this address - biasing towards his right side. This particular appearance is known as "mouth swagger". It is a manifestation of machismo - and is very common among politicians.

Like a coach giving a pep-talk prior to a game or a drill sergeant before new recruits - this nonverbal is seen when there is excessive melodrama ... or adrenaline - and thus is also seen after real victory on the sports field, the political arena or the battle field. 

Intriguingly, Mr. Putin also shifts his weight from foot to foot many times during this speech - which is a very common body language with anxiety. This nervousness reflects an incongruity in Mr. Putin's emotional state - he feels both bravo and anxiety - and is thus a great manifestation of emotional dissonance.

What are some other emotions are indicated by different asymmetrical mouth configurations?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2656: Threat Assessment during Robbery - Body Language of Perpetrator

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2714: Justine Dufour-Lapointe Wins Olympic Gold in Sochi and Brandishes Swagger - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2739: Barack Obama at DNC Speech - Quieting a Heckler

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2670: Janet Yellen Confirmed by Senate for Federal Reserve Chair - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2735: Mother confronts Driver about Brain-Damaged Son, Is His Apology Sincere?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2755: Vladimir Putin on Time Magazine, An Iconic Body Language Image

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2758: Barack Obama Regarding Further Sanctions to Russia for Annexation of Crimea - Body Language

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2758: Barack Obama Regarding Further Sanctions to Russia for Annexation of Crimea - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

President Obama spoke today on the South Lawn of the White House. A video of this address is included above. Mr. Obama discussed the recent Russian annexation of Crimea and announced sanctions both in retaliation for this action - and in addition, in an attempt to prevent possible similar events with regards to other regions of Ukraine.

We live in interesting times.

At multiple times during this speech the President displayed nonverbal microexpressions of regret. Some of these are isolated in the still images below.  This particular body language/facial expression goes widely unrecognized and thus unappreciated.

What other emotions do you see displayed in Barack's Body Language?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2745: Vladimir Putin Deception regarding Crimea - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2755: Vladimir Putin on Time Magazine, An Iconic Body Language Image

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2743: Liz Wahl Resigns on air from RT-America ("Russia Today") News Network - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2742: Vladimir Putin on the Crisis Ukraine - Thin Slicing Levels of Anger - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2757: Phillip and Phil Martelli, St. Joseph Hawks, March Madness and Mirroring - Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2558: Reggie Jackson Displays a Great Combined Microexpression, Mr. October's Body Language 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2727: "I am a Ukrainian" Video - Body Language

Microexpression of regret at 0:37

Displayed just and the end of the statement, "... These are all choices that the Russian government has made ..."

At 1:02 more regret is shown (microexpression) just as the President says, "... we're imposing sanctions on more senior officials of the Russian Government ..."

One more regret microexpression at the very end of the word "situation" (1:46):

"...For this reason we've been working closely with our European partners to develop more severe actions that could be taken if Russia continues to escalate the situation...."

At the 2:01 - 2:02 mark another microexpression of regret is shown on Mr. Obama's face at the very end of this sentence:

"...As part of that process, I signed a new executive order today that gives us the authority to impose sanctions - not just on individuals, but on key sectors of the Russian economy. This is not our preferred outcome...."





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